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At a Glance
Curtain bangs - shorter in the middle and longer at the sides - are one of the most flattering and low-maintenance bang styles available, suiting nearly every hair type and length. Our step-by-step tutorial walks you through the full process: sectioning, point-cutting at an angle, blending, and styling with a round brush for that signature feathered finish. Our experts recommend cutting on dry hair for more accurate length control, and visiting a professional every four to six weeks to maintain the shape. For those wanting a softer variation, wispy bangs offer the same face-framing effect with a lighter finish.
The star-studded muses of the 70s put curtain bangs and other iconic hair trends on the map. It’s a timeless look worn by beauty icons like Brigitte Bardot and Gabrielle Union, and it continues to be one of the most requested face-framing bangs styles in 2026. Even Ariana Grande sported curtain bangs, a departure from her slicked-back, lustrous, and long ponytail.
Whether your hair is short or long, a good stylist (or a great tutorial) can transform your look with curtain bangs. If you’re looking for a softer, feathered variation, you can opt for wispy bangs instead.
This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to cut curtain bangs at home, breaking a seemingly complex cut into manageable steps.
What Are Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are shorter in the middle of the forehead and longer on the sides, draped around the face like a curtain. Most stylists would argue that they are the most flattering bang style, with longer, side-swept bangs as a close second.
Should You Cut on Wet or Dry Hair?
If you’re learning how to cut curtain bangs on yourself, we recommend cutting on dry hair. Wet hair appears longer and shrinks as it dries, so dry cutting gives you more accurate length control.
If you have more experience and just need a refresher, washing beforehand is optional.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hair shears
- Hair clips
- Tail comb
Consider This Before You Commit to Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are relatively easy to maintain. The style blends well with your hair and grows out gracefully with little fuss. They suit most face shapes and can flatter and frame your face when cut properly.
One thing to watch for: if you have more than a few unruly cowlicks, proceed with caution. Stubborn hair that stands up works to your advantage for volume, but it can be a nuisance with bangs.
To maintain the look, visit a professional every four to six weeks.
Step One
Prep hair. Comb your hair with a detangling comb to ensure the hair is smooth, and create a center part using a tail comb. Collect even portions of your hair on each side of the head and make a triangle shape, combing the hair forward and clipping the remainder of the hair. To maintain the look, visit a professional every four to six weeks.
Tip: For fuller bangs, start further back on your head.
Step Two
Smooth out the triangle part and comb one side of the hair to the opposite side of the forehead, so all the hair you cut is together.
Step Three
Point cut at an angle by holding the scissor vertically and moving the scissors in an up-and-down motion. As a rule of thumb, start by trimming less hair. Use your chin as a guide, and don’t trim above the chin.
Tip: Use texturizing shears.
Step Four
Once you achieve the desired length, release your bangs and start blending by point-cutting sections of the hair from the shortest to longest.
Step Five
Spray your hair with water until damp to prepare your hair for styling. Apply a holding spray to the roots for volume.
Step Six:
With a boar bristle round brush, blow dry bangs for styling, starting from the roots to the ends.
Step Seven
Style hair. Use your fingers to style the bangs the way you want and finish the look with a holding spray.
This classic look has stood the test of time. Once your bangs grow out to your cheek or chin, blending them with the rest of your hair will be easy. Curtain bangs are a simple way to refresh your style without committing to a full cut and color transformation.
How to Style Curtain Bangs
Once you’ve cut your curtain bangs, styling them is straightforward. Here are the most popular methods:
Blow-dry with a round brush (classic method)
Spray bangs with water until slightly damp. Apply a volumizing spray at the roots. Using a boar bristle round brush, blow dry each side away from the center, rolling the brush under and outward for that signature feathered shape. Finish with a light holding spray.
Flat iron for a sleeker look
For a more polished finish, run a flat iron through dry bangs, curving slightly outward at the ends. Keep the temperature low to avoid heat damage.
Air-dry for effortless texture
If you prefer a no-heat approach, apply a texturizing spray to damp bangs and finger-style them into place as they dry. This works especially well with wavy or curly hair.
Are you interested in becoming a stylist? If you have a flair for styling hair and love learning, cosmetology may be the right career path. At Ogle School, our instructors give students personalized attention and help them meet their goals. Learn all Ogle School offers by visiting our website and requesting more information.
What face shape do curtain bangs suit?
Curtain bangs are one of the most universally flattering fringe styles. They complement round, oval, square, long, and heart-shaped faces because the center-parted, face-framing shape creates balanced proportions on nearly every face structure.
What is the difference between curtain bangs and wispy bangs?
Curtain bangs are typically thicker and more structured, parted down the center with longer sides. Wispy bangs use thinner, lighter sections for a softer, more feathered effect. Both are face-framing styles, but wispy bangs are a subtler option for those who want less volume.
How often should you trim curtain bangs?
Every four to six weeks is ideal for maintaining the shape. Curtain bangs grow out gracefully, but regular trims keep the length and layers looking intentional.
Can you cut curtain bangs on curly hair?
Yes, but always cut on dry, styled hair so you can see the true length. Curly hair springs up significantly when dry, so cutting on wet hair can result in bangs that end up much shorter than intended. Start longer than your target length and trim gradually.
